Flynn, Manafort Are Key Subjects Of FBI Probe: Report
Things just went from bad to worse for Donald Trump.
The federal investigation into collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia is increasingly focused on two Trump associates – Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, according to a new report.
The news of increased focus on two of Trump’s top campaign officials comes on the heels of the announcement by the Justice Department that former FBI Director Robert Mueller has been appointed as special counsel to lead the investigation.
According to the NBC News report, “Officials say multiple grand jury subpoenas and records requests have been issued in connection with the two men during the past six months in the ongoing probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russian attempts to influence the election, an inquiry that will now be overseen by former FBI Director Robert Mueller.”
The news of the existence of multiple grand juries and subpoenas highlights just how far along the FBI’s investigation into the Trump campaign has progressed.
The NBC News report confirms that “The FBI, with the help of the Treasury Department, the CIA and other agencies, is examining evidence of possible contacts, money transfers and business relationships between a variety of Trump associates and Russian officials, the sources say. The investigation goes well beyond Flynn, Manafort and a possible American connection, to include how Russian intelligence services carried out the campaign of fake news and leaking hacked emails that intelligence officials say was meant to hurt Hillary Clinton and benefit Donald Trump.”
Comey complained to Senators about a lack of resources
The NBC News report also confirms previous reports that Comey was frustrated with the lack of resources he had for the quickly expanding investigation. According to the report, “Comey voiced concerns to senators that the investigation had stalled because of a lack of prosecutorial resources, three officials said.”
The report notes that the FBI investigation is not just a criminal investigation but also a counterintelligence probe which is why some of the grand jury subpoenas make little mention of the crimes alleged.
